State removing A1A parking spots at Andy Romano park

Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 7:19 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 7:19 p.m.

ORMOND BEACH — State officials are eliminating several parking spaces in front of Andy Romano Beachfront Park because of safety concerns.

City Manager Joyce Shanahan wrote in an email that the parking spaces, which lined State Road A1A, had been problematic since the city opened Andy Romano Park last year because it was difficult for people to see incoming northbound traffic. The Florida Department of Transportation informed the city that it would prohibit parking along the road near the park, city spokeswoman Loretta Moisio wrote in an email.

Temporary barricades have been setup and “no parking” signs have been placed along the front of the park, Moisio said. The no parking zone will be enforced by the Police Department once the barricades are removed, she said.

Since its opening in Feburary 2013, Andy Romano Beachfront Park is typically full during peak spring and summer beach season, prompting city leaders to figure out ways to alleviate parking concerns.

Recently, the county agreed to open the Milsap Road approach, just north of the park, which allows people to park nearby and take advantage of the traffic-free zone in front of the park.

“Now with the approach open, it makes it much more convenient for beachgoers if the lot is full,” Shanahan wrote.

City Commissioner Troy Kent, who represents the city’s beachside south of Granada Blvd., said the city is fortunate to have a large number of parking spaces available to residents.

“If it means having more access to the beach, I think it’s a trade-off Ormond Beach residents are willing to make,” he said.

<p><span class="Dateline">ORMOND BEACH —</span> State officials are eliminating several parking spaces in front of Andy Romano Beachfront Park because of safety concerns.</p><p>City Manager Joyce Shanahan wrote in an email that the parking spaces, which lined State Road A1A, had been problematic since the city opened Andy Romano Park last year because it was difficult for people to see incoming northbound traffic. The Florida Department of Transportation informed the city that it would prohibit parking along the road near the park, city spokeswoman Loretta Moisio wrote in an email.</p><p>Temporary barricades have been setup and “no parking” signs have been placed along the front of the park, Moisio said. The no parking zone will be enforced by the Police Department once the barricades are removed, she said.</p><p>Since its opening in Feburary 2013, Andy Romano Beachfront Park is typically full during peak spring and summer beach season, prompting city leaders to figure out ways to alleviate parking concerns.</p><p>Recently, the county agreed to open the Milsap Road approach, just north of the park, which allows people to park nearby and take advantage of the traffic-free zone in front of the park.</p><p>“Now with the approach open, it makes it much more convenient for beachgoers if the lot is full,” Shanahan wrote.</p><p>City Commissioner Troy Kent, who represents the city’s beachside south of Granada Blvd., said the city is fortunate to have a large number of parking spaces available to residents.</p><p>“If it means having more access to the beach, I think it’s a trade-off Ormond Beach residents are willing to make,” he said.</p>